Jul 27, 2025

2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

Environmental Science, B.S.

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This major emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of environmental issues and the role of the natural sciences in addressing and solving environmental problems. Students get a strong understanding of the natural sciences by taking courses in multiple science disciplines, including chemistry, biology, physics, math, and geosciences. Additional courses in the social sciences, economics and humanities are included to enable the student to obtain a holistic view and understanding of the overall context in which environmental issues are placed. As a capstone experience, an internship or directed research is also required. Close consultation with advisors in the School of Earth, Environment and Society is essential.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in Environmental Science are expected to:

Apply critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and methodologies from natural sciences to address environmental problems
Propose and successfully complete a practical, experience-based internship or independent research project
Develop effective oral and written communication skills to articulate issues in environmental science and the broader field of environmental studies
Analyze spatial and non-spatial data to explain patterns and relationships between human activity and the natural environment

BG Perspective (BGP) Requirements

Must complete at least 1 course in each of the following:

English Composition and Oral Communication
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Quantitative Literacy
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Must Complete at least 2 courses in each of the following:

Humanities and the Arts
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Natural Sciences - at least one Lab Science required
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Social and Behavioral Sciences
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Complete total required BGP credit hours by selecting courses from any of the above categories:

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University Requirements

Designated courses in Humanities and the Arts and the Social and Behavioral Sciences domains may be used to fulfill both the BGP requirement and one of the following university requirements:

Cultural Diversity in the US ____________
International Perspective ____________

Composition Requirement:
WRIT 1120

Total BGP Credits: Must be at least 36

Arts & Sciences Requirements (WLC and QL)

World Languages and Cultures (_ yrs of HS___)

Consult the Undergraduate Catalog or the Arts and Sciences Student Handbook regarding approved course options in the different language and culture areas.
________1010_________________   ________
________1020_________________   ________
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Lab Science

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Quantitative Literacy

________ ________ EITHER MATH 1310 OR MATH 1340 & MATH 1350

Multidisciplinary Component

Select from approved offerings, in consultation with an advisor and a faculty mentor. Four courses total, each with a different subject prefix. At least two courses at 3000/4000 level. Courses applied to the Arts & Sciences MDC may not be used to fulfill other Arts and Sciences degree requirements, nor may they be used to fulfill major, minor, BGP or other program requirements.
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Environmental Science Major (46-51 Hours)

Environmental Common Core (12 Hours)

Major Requirements (22 Hours)

Major Electives (12-17 Hours)

Students are required to complete 4 courses from the following list:

Additional Requirements (21-22 Hours)

Minor (15-21 Hours)

Students who are BS Environmental Science majors are required to complete a minor. Students should consult the Programs page in the Undergraduate Catalog.

For Graduation You Will Need:

University minimum of 120 credit hours.
Minimum GPA 2.00.
At least 30 credit hours of BGSU course work.
A minimum of 40 credit hours at the 3000/4000 level.
Completion of all degree requirements, including the BG Perspective Core.
A major, and if required, a minor, specialization or emphasis.

Any substitution or waiver of courses required for your major or minor program must originate in the department/school offering the major or minor and must be approved by the College Office.

To ensure a timely graduation, students should monitor their academic progress using degree audit.

Students must complete an online Application for Graduation via their MyBGSU Student Center based on the dates posted in the degree audit. After the application deadlines, students must complete an online application located on the College of Arts and Sciences website. Contact the College of Arts and Sciences with questions.